Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid found in nature primarily in marine organisms such as microalgae, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, crayfish, and crustaceans. The green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is considered the richest source of astaxanthin. Other microalgae, such as Chlorella zofingiensis, Chlorococcum spp., and Botryococcus braunii, also contain astaxanthin. It may also be found in the feathers of birds, such as quail, flamingo, and storks, as well as in propolis, the resinous substance collected by bees.

Carotenoids are well known for their therapeutic benefits in the aging process and various diseases, because of their antioxidant properties. Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid like lutein, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin, which do not convert to vitamin A.

According to a review, carotenoids are of interest based on their beneficial mechanisms of action for cancers, cardiovascular disease, age-related macular degeneration, and cataract formation. Numerous studies support the use of astaxanthin as a potent antioxidant that may be beneficial in decreasing the risks of certain chronic diseases. It may also reduce oxidative stress in the nervous system, reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, astaxanthin has well-documented anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating effects.

Human trials have been conducted in disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, dyspepsia (with or without Helicobacter pylori infection), hyperlipidemia, male infertility, and skin conditions, and regarding exercise capacity, muscle soreness, and transplants. However, results have been mixed, and more research is needed in these areas before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

GRADE *

Evidence suggests that astaxanthin may have antioxidant activity. Additional research is needed to confirm these results.

B

Preliminary research suggests that astaxanthin, as part of a multi-ingredient antioxidant supplement, may reduce pain and duration associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. However, larger studies are warranted before a conclusion can be drawn.

C

Limited evidence suggests that astaxanthin may be beneficial in dyspepsia. Additional evidence is warranted before a conclusion can be drawn.

C

High-quality evidence supporting the use of astaxanthin to improve exercise capacity is lacking. More studies are warranted before a conclusion can be drawn.

C

High-quality evidence supporting the use of astaxanthin for high cholesterol is lacking. More studies are warranted before a conclusion can be drawn.

C

Preliminary research suggests that astaxanthin, as part of a multi-ingredient supplement, may benefit patients with macular degeneration. However, studies evaluating astaxanthin alone are warranted before a conclusion can be drawn.

C

Limited evidence suggests that astaxanthin may be beneficial in male infertility. Additional evidence is warranted before a conclusion can be drawn.

C

According to preliminary research, a combination product containing astaxanthin was found to reduce climacteric symptoms in women with menopause. Studies evaluating astaxanthin alone are needed before a conclusion can be drawn.

C

Evidence supporting the use of astaxanthin for muscle soreness is lacking. More studies are warranted before a conclusion can be drawn.

C

According to preliminary research, astaxanthin may be beneficial in alleviating pain and improving the ability to perform daily activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. However, larger studies are warranted before a conclusion can be drawn.

C

According to preliminary research, astaxanthin may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin elasticity and moisture content. More studies are warranted before a conclusion can be drawn.

C

There is an ongoing study being conducted assessing the effects of astaxanthin on vascular structure, oxidative stress, and inflammation in renal transplant patients. Results of this trial are pending.

C

* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this useB: Good scientific evidence for this useC: Unclear scientific evidence for this useD: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

As an antioxidant, in general, manufacturers recommend taking 4-8 milligrams of astaxanthin by mouth 2-3 times daily with meals. Clinical evidence is lacking.

For dyspepsia, 40 milligrams of astaxanthin (AstaCarox®) has been taken by mouth daily in divided doses for four weeks.

For exercise capacity, the manufacturers of Xanthin® recommend taking one capsule by mouth (each containing eight milligrams of astaxanthin) before and after physical activity. Four milligrams of astaxanthin has also been taken by mouth in the morning with food.

For high cholesterol, 6, 12, and 18 milligrams of astaxanthin (AstaREAL® Astaxanthin) has been taken by mouth daily for 12 weeks. In healthy human subjects, 3.6, 7.2, and 14.4 milligrams has been administered in a beverage daily for two weeks.

For male infertility, 16 milligrams of astaxanthin (AstaCarox®) has been taken by mouth daily for three months.

For skin conditions, two milligrams of astaxanthin (Astavita AstaREAL® Astaxanthin; each capsule containing two milligrams of astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus plubialis microalgae) has been taken by mouth twice daily with breakfast and dinner for six weeks. According to secondary sources, four milligrams of astaxanthin (BioAstin®) daily for two weeks may prevent sunburn.

For transplant (renal), 12 milligrams of astaxanthin (BioAstin®; four milligram tablets taken by mouth three times daily) has been used for one year.

Note: Various seafoods contain the astaxanthin pigment. A standard serving portion of four ounces of Atlantic salmon contains from 0.5 to 1.1 milligrams of astaxanthin, whereas the same amount of sockeye salmon may contain 4.5 milligrams of astaxanthin.

Children (under 18 years old)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for astaxanthin in children.

Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to astaxanthin or related carotenoids, including canthaxanthin, or hypersensitivity to an astaxanthin source, such as Haematococcus pluvialis.

Side Effects and Warnings

Astaxanthin may affect bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking drugs that may affect bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

Astaxanthin may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

Use cautiously in patients with taking certain drugs, herbs and supplements metabolized by the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. Taking astaxanthin with these drugs may cause the levels of these drugs to be decreased in the blood and may reduce the intended effects. Patients taking any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.

Use cautiously in patients with autoimmune disorders or those using immunosuppressants, as astaxanthin has been shown to enhance immune function and theoretically may interfere with immunosuppressive therapy. Although astaxanthin has been found to stimulate the immune system, in clinical research, astaxanthin was found to lower eosinophil levels.

Use cautiously in patients with hypocalcemia, osteoporosis, or parathyroid disorders, as astaxanthin may lower serum calcium levels.

Use cautiously in patients using beta-carotene, as astaxanthin may alter beta-carotene conversion.

Use cautiously in women who are pregnant or might become pregnant, as astaxanthin may inhibit 5-alpha reductase.

Astaxanthin may also cause severe abdominal pain and aplastic anemia.

Avoid in patients with known allergy or hypersensitivity to astaxanthin or related carotenoids, including canthaxanthin, or in those with hypersensitivity to an astaxanthin source, such as Haematococcus pluvialis.

Avoid in patients with known hypersensitivity to 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Use cautiously in women who are pregnant or might become pregnant, as astaxanthin may inhibit 5-alpha reductase. Astaxanthin is not suggested in breastfeeding women, due to a lack of safety data.

Astaxanthin may increase the risk of bleeding or blood clotting when taken with drugs that increase such risks. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).

Astaxanthin may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

Astaxanthin may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be decreased in the blood and may reduce the intended effects. Patients taking any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.

Astaxanthin may increase the risk of bleeding or blood clotting when taken with herbs or supplements that are believed to increase such risks. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding or blood clotting, although this has not been proven in most cases.

Astaxanthin may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

Astaxanthin may interfere with the way the body processes certain herbs or supplements using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of other herbs or supplements may become too low in the blood. It may also alter the effects that other herbs or supplements potentially may have on the cytochrome P450 system.

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.